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Brian Cashman got it "his way"...
New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman achieved something with his new bosses, Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, that he could never accomplish with his old boss, George Steinbrenner. He convinced them that signing Santana would be too expensive for the Yankees. In return, Cashman got his wish to retain his three-top pitching prospects rather than trade them away for an expensive pitching talent in the form of Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana.
After Andy Pettite announced on Sunday that he would indeed be returning to pitch for the Yankees in the 2008 season, that put the Yankees "over the limit" spending wise this off-season. The Yankees have currently spent over $400 million this off-season to retain six players from last years team these players include: Jose Molina, Alex Rodriguez, Pettite, Bobby Abreu, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera. If the Yankees were to execute a sign and trade for Santana, that would then skyrocket their payroll to way beyond $500 million, as Santana is looking for a contract in the likes of seven-years for $150 million.
Essentially the Yankees payroll for the 2008 season alone would then exceed $200 million, AGAIN. Cashman was convincing enough in his argument and got his wish. He took into consideration that the new Yankee Stadium is being constructed and it cost the amount of gold in Fort Knox to build, thus the team would be taking a HUGE financial gamble.
Cashman had better be right about his three gifted pitching prospects and their ability to fill the holes in the Yankees rotation next season. Philip Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy will compete for a spot in a starting rotation that currently consists of Andy Pettite, Chien Ming-Wang and Mike Mussina. Cashman is entering the final year of his contract as GM next season.
The Yankees also announced that they will implement some type of innings limitations on their three gifted prospects next season. This does leave the possibility open for a six-man rotation however, that is unlikely. I believe Kennedy and Hughes will resume their starting roles while Chamberlain will return to the bullpen. There is a lack of bullpen help available in the free agent market and a trade for a bullpen pitcher is always a gamble, (i.e. Eric Gagne's woes for the Boston Red Sox after being traded for in a deadline deal this season). Chamberlain has that fire about him that reminds me that of Jonathan Papelbon, the Red Sox closer.
I believe the way these pitchers show their emotions on the mound is exciting and it also helps fire up the team, fans and makes the game of baseball more entertaining while still remaining it's "gentleman's game" mentality. By showing their emotions and not being scared to throw inside and come at batters, they essentially improve their odds of striking out batters because they are psyching them out and gaining a mental edge on them. I believe Red Sox ace Josh Beckett can attribute most of his success of being clutch in big situations from being an emotional pitcher.
The Yankees announced they are pursuing negotiations with the Oakland Athletics in a deal that would land starting pitcher Dan Haren in the Bronx. Details of the possible trade have not been released. However, it can't be totally confirmed that the Yankees will indeed hang on to their top three prospects if a deal is made with the Athletics for Haren.
New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman achieved something with his new bosses, Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, that he could never accomplish with his old boss, George Steinbrenner. He convinced them that signing Santana would be too expensive for the Yankees. In return, Cashman got his wish to retain his three-top pitching prospects rather than trade them away for an expensive pitching talent in the form of Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana.
After Andy Pettite announced on Sunday that he would indeed be returning to pitch for the Yankees in the 2008 season, that put the Yankees "over the limit" spending wise this off-season. The Yankees have currently spent over $400 million this off-season to retain six players from last years team these players include: Jose Molina, Alex Rodriguez, Pettite, Bobby Abreu, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera. If the Yankees were to execute a sign and trade for Santana, that would then skyrocket their payroll to way beyond $500 million, as Santana is looking for a contract in the likes of seven-years for $150 million.
Essentially the Yankees payroll for the 2008 season alone would then exceed $200 million, AGAIN. Cashman was convincing enough in his argument and got his wish. He took into consideration that the new Yankee Stadium is being constructed and it cost the amount of gold in Fort Knox to build, thus the team would be taking a HUGE financial gamble.
Cashman had better be right about his three gifted pitching prospects and their ability to fill the holes in the Yankees rotation next season. Philip Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy will compete for a spot in a starting rotation that currently consists of Andy Pettite, Chien Ming-Wang and Mike Mussina. Cashman is entering the final year of his contract as GM next season.
The Yankees also announced that they will implement some type of innings limitations on their three gifted prospects next season. This does leave the possibility open for a six-man rotation however, that is unlikely. I believe Kennedy and Hughes will resume their starting roles while Chamberlain will return to the bullpen. There is a lack of bullpen help available in the free agent market and a trade for a bullpen pitcher is always a gamble, (i.e. Eric Gagne's woes for the Boston Red Sox after being traded for in a deadline deal this season). Chamberlain has that fire about him that reminds me that of Jonathan Papelbon, the Red Sox closer.
I believe the way these pitchers show their emotions on the mound is exciting and it also helps fire up the team, fans and makes the game of baseball more entertaining while still remaining it's "gentleman's game" mentality. By showing their emotions and not being scared to throw inside and come at batters, they essentially improve their odds of striking out batters because they are psyching them out and gaining a mental edge on them. I believe Red Sox ace Josh Beckett can attribute most of his success of being clutch in big situations from being an emotional pitcher.
The Yankees announced they are pursuing negotiations with the Oakland Athletics in a deal that would land starting pitcher Dan Haren in the Bronx. Details of the possible trade have not been released. However, it can't be totally confirmed that the Yankees will indeed hang on to their top three prospects if a deal is made with the Athletics for Haren.
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